Guru Arjan Dev
Fifth Sikh Guru and spiritual leader
Born in 1563, served as the fifth Guru of Sikhism from 1581 until 1606. Compiled the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which included hymns by several Sikh Gurus and other saints. Focused on community service, established the city of Amritsar, and oversaw the construction of the Golden Temple. Promoted the principles of equality, compassion, and devotion.
Compiled the Adi Granth, the Sikh holy scripture
Established the city of Amritsar
Oversaw the construction of the Golden Temple
Other People Born on April 15th
Johannes Stark
German physicist and Nobel laureate
Born
April 15th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1957 68 years ago — 83 years old
Born in Germany in 1874, a physicist focused on the study of atomic structure and phenomena such as the Stark effect, where spectral lines are split into multiple components in the presence of an electric field. This phenomenon provided significant insights into atomic theory. Stark conducted extensive research in the field of spectroscopy and made substantial contributions to the understanding of molecular structure. In 1919, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for these contributions.
Continue ReadingIda Freund
Chemist and educator with teaching roles
Born
April 15th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
May 15th, 1914 111 years ago — 51 years old
Born in Austria, a chemist and educator contributed significantly to the field of chemistry and science education. Freund played a pivotal role in developing practical chemistry curricula. She worked as a teacher at various institutions, emphasizing the importance of hands-on laboratory experiences for students. Her efforts aimed to enhance the understanding of chemistry among future generations. Freund also engaged in scientific research and published several articles that furthered educational methodologies in the sciences. Freund's career reflected a commitment to advancing chemistry education during a time when women faced numerous barriers in the academic field.
Continue ReadingJoseph E. Seagram
Canadian businessman and politician
Born
April 15th, 1841 184 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1919 106 years ago — 78 years old
Founded Seagram Company Ltd, a major producer of alcoholic beverages. Served as a politician in Canada during the late 19th century. Expanded the company into one of the largest distillers worldwide. Involved in various civic activities and held significant influence in local business.
Continue ReadingPenelope Coelen
South African beauty queen and actress
Born
April 15th, 1940 85 years ago
Born in 1940, a South African actress and model achieved fame as Miss World 1958. The title marked a significant moment in beauty pageant history. Contributed to the entertainment industry with appearances in various film and television projects. Coelen's success in the pageant circuit and modeling opened doors for her in acting. The Miss World title brought recognition and enhanced her career.
Continue ReadingKenneth Lay
Businessman and Enron CEO
Born
April 15th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2006 19 years ago — 64 years old
Born in 1942, a prominent American businessman served as the CEO and chairman of Enron Corporation, an energy company based in Houston, Texas. Lay played a crucial role in the company's rapid growth in the 1990s, promoting innovative energy trading and deregulation. Under his leadership, Enron's stock skyrocketed, making it one of the largest companies in the United States. However, amid accounting scandals, Enron filed for bankruptcy in 2001, marking one of the largest bankruptcies in U.S. history. Lay faced criminal charges related to securities fraud and conspiracy, though he died before the trial concluded.
Continue ReadingÉtienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire
French biologist and zoologist
Born
April 15th, 1772 253 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1844 181 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent figure in the field of biology, contributions included the development of a theory of morphological unity among animals. Pioneered the study of comparative anatomy and established connections among various species. A founding member of the Société Zoologique de France, significant engagements included work on the classification of organisms and the impact of environment on biological development. Collaborated with notable contemporaries in scientific advancements.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 30th
Marek Siemek
Philosopher and historian from Poland
Born
1942 83 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2011 14 years ago — 69 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of philosophy and history, particularly in Polish intellectual thought. Explored the relationship between philosophy and history, analyzing the works of significant philosophers and historians. Engaged in discourses on the influence of European thought in Poland, and promoted the understanding of contemporary philosophical issues through historical contexts.
Continue ReadingWilbur Wright
Aviation pioneer and inventor
Born
April 16th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1912 113 years ago — 45 years old
An American inventor and aviation pioneer contributed significantly to the development of the airplane. Along with his brother, designed and built the first successful powered aircraft. The Wright Flyer achieved the first powered flight on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This achievement marked a pivotal moment in aviation history and paved the way for the future of air travel. Established the Wright Company to manufacture airplanes after the early success.
Continue ReadingEphraim Katzir
Israeli biophysicist and politician
Born
May 16th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2009 16 years ago — 93 years old
Contributed to the field of biophysics and served as a prominent politician in Israel. Held the position of the fourth President of Israel from 1973 to 1978. Had a significant academic career, focusing on the study of proteins and enzymes. Played a vital role in promoting science and technology in Israel through various initiatives and policies.
Continue ReadingTōgō Heihachirō
Japanese admiral and naval strategist
Born
January 27th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1934 91 years ago — 86 years old
Involved in the modernization of the Imperial Japanese Navy, played a pivotal role during the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War. Commanded the Japanese fleet that achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Tsushima in 1905, which established Japan as a major naval power. Contributed to naval strategies and tactics that were studied globally. Took part in diplomatic efforts to strengthen Japan's position in international relations.
Continue ReadingCharles IX of France
French King during the Wars of Religion
Born
1550 475 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1574 451 years ago — 24 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1560 at the age of ten, leading to a regency period. His reign was marked by the French Wars of Religion, conflicts between Catholics and Huguenots. Charles IX ordered the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572, a pivotal event that significantly influenced the course of these wars. Charles IX's health deteriorated due to the stresses of rule, leading to a lonely death in 1574. The challenges faced during his reign highlighted the fragility of the French monarchy amid rising religious tensions.
Continue ReadingAlma Ziegler
Baseball player and golfer
Born
January 9th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2005 20 years ago — 87 years old
Played professional baseball in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Competed in women's golf tournaments, including the 1947 U.S. Women's Open. Contributed to the popularization of women's sports during the mid-20th century.
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